Public concern over Thai student safety amid rising violence, reveals Dusit Poll

A survey by Dusit Poll, Suan Dusit University, revealed the public’s concerns over the safety of Thai citizens, particularly vocational students, following a recent spate of violent confrontations.

The survey conducted from November 21 to 24, involved 1,161 respondents. The majority, 88%, agreed that all involved parties need to seriously collaborate and implement decisive preventative measures. An overwhelming 85.5% attributed the conflicts to the inculcation of misguided values and veneration of institutions.

The findings of the Dusit Poll showed that 82% of respondents urged for consideration of the ensuing consequences and avoiding causing trouble to others or their educational institutions. Meanwhile, 63% believed these incidents could be attributed to imitation and lack of restraint.

Amongst the causes of the disputes, 85.5% highlighted the cultivation of inappropriate values, such as institutional pride. While nearly 75% perceived the existence of behind-the-scenes manipulators, not students, but criminal organisations. Personal conflicts and resentment were cited by around 66% of the participants.

In terms of remedial measures, around 74% insisted that police officers need to take decisive action and increase the maximum penalties. A total of 73% suggested adjusting the attitudes of both old and new students and fostering relations between institutions, reported Sanook.

A significant 92% felt that citizens must ensure their safety and avoid risky areas. Furthermore, 81% stated that in the event of an incident, one should assess the situation to decide whether to flee, hide, or fight.

Of the respondents, 88% believed that the Ministry of Education should urgently address this issue, followed by 72% pointing to parents and guardians. Interestingly, around 80% of respondents who had children or grandchildren did not want them to pursue vocational education, with less than 20% expressing the opposite.

In related news, police apprehended the mastermind behind the fatal shooting of 19 year old university student Thanasorn, known as Nong Yod, and his teacher, Sirida Sinprasert, better known as Teacher Jeab. Both victims were killed in the attack, which occurred in Uthen Thawai. Read more about this story HERE.